slatwall vs. storeWALL

We kept all the good features of slatwall and got rid of the bad. Until storeWALL, slatwall was
the most attractive and versatile showroom display system. Although popular, conventional
slatwall is extremely difficult to work with. We reinvented the display system to make it easy to
install and even more versatile. The result is storeWALL . . . patent received in 1999.
Compare slatwall and storeWALL for yourself:
Slatwall
storeWALL
Slatwall T−shape slots. MDF core
with laminate surface finish.
Slatwall general description
Slatwall is a 4 foot by 8 foot panel with T shape
slots that accept a wide variety of display, storage and
organization accessories.
storeWALL L−shape slots. A solid core,
versatile display and storage system.
StoreWALL general description
StoreWALL is a 15" high, tongue and groove,
modular panel with L shape slots that accept a wide
variety of display, storage and organization
accessories.
Slatwall physical description
storeWALL physical description
Slatwall is a fabricated, 3/4" thick, medium density
fiberboard (MDF) panel. The 4' x 8' panels are heavy,
about 100 pounds. The large, heavy panels are difficult
to transport. The size and weight makes slatwall easy
to damage. Slatwall installation is difficult and requires
an installation team.
StoreWALL is designed and engineered as a
thermoplastic extrusion. An 8 foot length panel is low
weight, 15 pounds. The panels are cartoned and easy
to transport. Four foot lengths can be shipped UPS.
The panels can be easily installed by one person.
Slatwall manufacturing process
storeWALL manufacturing process
For slatwall, the MDF panel surface is painted or
laminated. Next, T−shaped slots for accessories are
routed in the panels.
StoreWALL is manufactured as a solid core,
foamed PVC extrusion. Colors are throughout the
panel. L−shape accessory slots and the panel back
mounting system are parts of the extrusion design.
Slatwall installation
storeWALL installation
The 4' x 8' slatwall panel is positioned against the
wall. Drill a counter sunk pilot hole in the slatwall slot.
Screw through the slot into a structural support.
The storeWALL panel can be screwed to the wall
or installed on HangUps for a no visible fastener
installation. To screw to the wall, position the lowest
panel accurately, plumb and square. Use a dry wall or
When butting slatwall for large display areas,
make certain the first panel is plumb and level.
Carefully position the next panel to align with the first
panel installed.
Make certain the installation area is flat and level.
The first panel must be positioned carefully because it
is extremely difficult to correct and reposition the
panels. The slatwall panel surfaces must match or the
MDF panel core will be obvious at the joint.
Because of the slatwall panel size, weight and
fragility, an installation team is required.
similar flat head screw. Screw through the slot into a
structural support. StoreWALL has sufficient give to
‘flush’ the screw head. (see Technical>Installation).
For a no visible fastener installation, use a
template for accurate HangUp positioning. Screw
HangUps to a structural support. Hang the panel, then
position HangUps for the next panel.
The tongue and groove panels can be adjusted to
make up for wall irregularities. Butt joints can be
perfected using a saw and guide. Because storeWALL
is a solid core material, imperfect butt joints will not be
obvious.
StoreWALL can be installed by one person.
Fitting accessories with slatwall
The slatwall accessory has a flange that is
inserted into the upper slot of the slatwall panel. To
reposition horizontally, slide the accessory down the
slot. To reposition vertically, remove and replace in the
correct slot. It is simple and fast.
Fitting accessories with storeWALL
Use the same procedure for storeWALL.
Slatwall panel appearance
storeWALL panel appearance
Slatwall can be a variety of surface finishes: paint,
laminates or veneers. The MDF core will be visible at
the slot which gives the panel a contrasting horizontal
line pattern. The slatwall ‘slat’ appears to float because
the T−shape slot removes material at the top and
bottom behind the slat. Slot inserts are used to create
strength, protect the fragile MDF slot edge or provide
an accent color.
StoreWALL is a solid core material. The slot is
the same color as the panel face. StoreWALL has a
natural board−on−board appearance because the slot
is L−shaped. The slot effect creates a visual quality that
slatwall tries to duplicate with slot inserts.
Slatwall strength
storeWALL strength
Slatwall weight load capacity is low to moderate.
Metal inserts are used to increase strength. With
inserts, installation time is significantly increased.
StoreWALL has a very high load capacity.
StoreWALL is equal to metal inserts, 90 pounds at 10"
from the panel face (see Technical> Specifications).
Slatwall durability
storeWALL durability
Slatwall needs to be protected. Avoid high
humidity installation areas. If temperature and humidity
are not constant, the slatwall must be faced on the front
and back to maintain stability.
StoreWALL can be installed nearly anywhere:
indoors, outdoors and in high humidity locations. The
panel is water proof and UV resistant.
StoreWALL can be painted, but it is rarely done
(see maintenance). Slot accents can be used, but it is
rarely done because of the distinctive natural
appearance.
If the installation is subject to wide temperature
extremes, allow for panel expansion. Avoid installation
in exceptionally high temperature locations.
Slatwall maintenance
storeWALL maintenance
Slatwall has a surface finish. If damaged it can not
be refinished. Slatwall has a moderate load capacity. If
broken, slatwall cannot be repaired. If maintenance is
needed the option is to replace the panel.
StoreWALL is a solid core material. Surface
damage can be refinished. The usual method is with
acetone. Broken panels can be glued. The usual
method is with super glue. StoreWALL can be cleaned
with most cleansers. StoreWALL can be pressure
washed.
Slatwall fabrication and tools
storeWALL fabrication and tools
Slatwall can be fabricated with wood working
tools. MDF will quickly dull wood working equipment.
Special precautions must be used with laminates and
surface finishes.
StoreWALL fabricates easily with wood working
tools. StoreWALL does not dull equipment. The panel
size is easy to fabricate in field working conditions.
Specialty adhesives can be used for highly structural
and creative applications.
Recycling slatwall
Recycling storeWALL
Slatwall is not recyclable.
Slatwall price comparison
Slatwall pricing is dependent on surface quality
and slot insert.
StoreWALL is a class 4 recyclable plastic.
storeWALL price comparison
StoreWALL cost is similar to a mid price slatwall.
storage, organization and display